ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Interstat) — The New Mexico women’s basketball team defeated Houston 63-41 on Saturday at The Pit behind a strong defensive performance.

The Lobos (8-3) opened with a 21-point first quarter and never trailed, holding the Cougars to 22.8% shooting from the floor. Houston (5-5) managed just 41 points on 13-of-57 shooting and committed 21 turnovers. New Mexico capitalized with 12 steals.

Alyssa Hargrove led New Mexico with 11 points. Jessie Joaquim added 13 points and Destinee Hooks scored 12. Kierra Merchant was the lone Cougar in double figures with 10 points.

New Mexico’s defense was stifling throughout, limiting Houston to single-digit scoring in the fourth quarter to seal the win before a crowd of 4,467.